A US Special Forces veteran and his son pleaded guilty in Tokyo on Monday to charges that they illegally helped former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet in December 2019. 
 
Chief judge Hideo Nirei, one of three judges presiding over their first court appearance, asked Michael Taylor and his son Peter whether there was any mistake in the charges submitted by the Tokyo Prosecutors` office. 
 
"No your honour," the older Taylor replied. "No," said his son. 
 
Extradited to Japan from the United States in March, they are being held at the same jail in Tokyo where Ghosn was detained. They could face up to three years in prison. 
 
Wearing black jackets and pants, white shirts and plastic slippers, they were led into court with ropes threaded through handcuffs and tied around their waists. 
 
Prosecutors accused them of helping Ghosn evade punishment and escape&nbsp;to Lebanon from western Japan`s Kansai airport, receiving $1.3 million for their services, some of which was paid to an advertising company owned by the younger Taylor. 
 
The prosecutors'&nbsp;statement on Monday, which described the younger Taylor as a frequent visitor to Lebanon, said planning for the escape began around six months before Ghosn fled. 
 
The statement also said that Ghosn`s wife Carole Ghosn sought help from Michael Taylor, with Ghosn later contacting him from Tokyo with a phone he had hidden from Japanese authorities. 
 
A third man George-Antoine Zayek, recruited by the Taylors, travelled to Japan later in 2019 to find a way through airport security, settling on the private jet terminal at Kansai airport as the best route out, the prosecutors said. Zayek remains at large. 
 
The luggage that does not fit through the security scanning machine there is inspected by hand. That check, however, can be waived by the pilot. 
 
The Taylors'&nbsp;lawyers in the United States waged a months-long battle to prevent their extradition to Japan, arguing they could not be prosecuted for helping someone "bail jump" and that they could face relentless interrogations and torture. 
 
Suspects in Japan are interrogated without their lawyers present and are often denied bail before trial. 
 
Japan's conviction rate is 99%. 
 
At the time of Ghosn`s escape, he was awaiting trial on charges that he understated his compensation in Nissan`s financial statements by 9.3 billion yen ($85 million) over a decade and enriched himself at his employer`s expense through payments to car dealerships. 
 
Ghosn, who denies any wrongdoing, remains a fugitive in his childhood home, which has no extradition treaty with Japan. 
 
Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive charged with helping Ghosn hide his earnings, is also standing trial in Tokyo. He denies the charges.

A US Special Forces veteran and his son pleaded guilty in Tokyo on Monday to charges that they illegally helped former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet in December 2019.

A US Special Forces veteran and his son pleaded guilty in Tokyo on Monday to charges that they illegally helped former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet in December 2019. Chief judge Hideo Nirei, one of three judges presiding over their first court appearance, asked Michael Taylor and his son Peter whether there was any mistake in the charges submitted by the Tokyo Prosecutors` office. "No your honour," the older Taylor replied. "No," said his son. Extradited to Japan from the United States in March, they are being held at the same jail in Tokyo where Ghosn was detained. They could face up to three years in prison. Wearing black jackets and pants, white shirts and plastic slippers, they were led into court with ropes threaded through handcuffs and tied around their waists. Prosecutors accused them of helping Ghosn evade punishment and escape to Lebanon from western Japan`s Kansai airport, receiving $1.3 million for their services, some of which was paid to an advertising company owned by the younger Taylor. The prosecutors' statement on Monday, which described the younger Taylor as a frequent visitor to Lebanon, said planning for the escape began around six months before Ghosn fled. The statement also said that Ghosn`s wife Carole Ghosn sought help from Michael Taylor, with Ghosn later contacting him from Tokyo with a phone he had hidden from Japanese authorities. A third man George-Antoine Zayek, recruited by the Taylors, travelled to Japan later in 2019 to find a way through airport security, settling on the private jet terminal at Kansai airport as the best route out, the prosecutors said. Zayek remains at large. The luggage that does not fit through the security scanning machine there is inspected by hand. That check, however, can be waived by the pilot. The Taylors' lawyers in the United States waged a months-long battle to prevent their extradition to Japan, arguing they could not be prosecuted for helping someone "bail jump" and that they could face relentless interrogations and torture. Suspects in Japan are interrogated without their lawyers present and are often denied bail before trial. Japan's conviction rate is 99%. At the time of Ghosn`s escape, he was awaiting trial on charges that he understated his compensation in Nissan`s financial statements by 9.3 billion yen ($85 million) over a decade and enriched himself at his employer`s expense through payments to car dealerships. Ghosn, who denies any wrongdoing, remains a fugitive in his childhood home, which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive charged with helping Ghosn hide his earnings, is also standing trial in Tokyo. He denies the charges.

American duo plead guilty to helping former Nissan chief Ghosn flee Japan

Tokyo prosecutors on Monday charged two Americans with helping Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chief, jump bail in Tokyo, where he was awaiting trial on four counts of financial wrongdoing.

Japanese prosecutors said in an indictment that the two men, Michael Taylor, 60, a former Green Beret, and his son Peter Maxwell Taylor, 27, assisted Ghosn’s efforts to escape the country, helping him flee to Turkey and then on to Lebanon, where he has been beyond the reach of Japanese law.

U.S. officials arrested the men in May in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, they were extradited to Japan, where they have been held in a Tokyo detention center while undergoing questioning by prosecutors. A third man believed to have aided Ghosn’s escape remains at large.

Japanese authorities have accused Michael Taylor of helping Ghosn travel by train to the western city of Osaka, through security checks at a private jet terminal and then onto a plane bound for Turkey. Once there, Ghosn transferred to a flight bound for Beirut. Peter Taylor assisted in planning for the escapade, visiting Ghosn several times before the escape, officials say.

Ghosn and his son, Anthony Ghosn, paid more than $1.3 million to the Taylors and a company they controlled, U.S. prosecutors have said in court filings.

Ghosn’s case raised international concerns about what some critics call Japan’s system of “hostage justice,” which includes lengthy detentions of criminal suspects without charge. While in the United States, the Taylors fought a long legal battle to prevent their extradition, with their lawyers arguing that they could be subjected to harsh conditions in a Japanese jail.

Tokyo prosecutors on Monday charged two Americans with helping Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chief, jump bail in Tokyo, where he was awaiting trial on four counts of financial wrongdoing.

Tokyo prosecutors on Monday charged two Americans with helping Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chief, jump bail in Tokyo, where he was awaiting trial on four counts of financial wrongdoing. Japanese prosecutors said in an indictment that the two men, Michael Taylor, 60, a former Green Beret, and his son Peter Maxwell Taylor, 27, assisted Ghosn’s efforts to escape the country, helping him flee to Turkey and then on to Lebanon, where he has been beyond the reach of Japanese law. U.S. officials arrested the men in May in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, they were extradited to Japan, where they have been held in a Tokyo detention center while undergoing questioning by prosecutors. A third man believed to have aided Ghosn’s escape remains at large. Japanese authorities have accused Michael Taylor of helping Ghosn travel by train to the western city of Osaka, through security checks at a private jet terminal and then onto a plane bound for Turkey. Once there, Ghosn transferred to a flight bound for Beirut. Peter Taylor assisted in planning for the escapade, visiting Ghosn several times before the escape, officials say. Ghosn and his son, Anthony Ghosn, paid more than $1.3 million to the Taylors and a company they controlled, U.S. prosecutors have said in court filings. Ghosn’s case raised international concerns about what some critics call Japan’s system of “hostage justice,” which includes lengthy detentions of criminal suspects without charge. While in the United States, the Taylors fought a long legal battle to prevent their extradition, with their lawyers arguing that they could be subjected to harsh conditions in a Japanese jail.

Japan indicts two Americans tied to Ghosn’s escape

Nissan Motor Co&nbsp;has blasted suggestions in media reports of a conspiracy within the company to oust former chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Ghosn's 2018 arrest in Japan on financial misconduct charges has led to much speculation that the move was orchestrated by Nissan executives who opposed closer ties with partner Renault SA.

"I know that in books and the media there has been talk about a conspiracy but there are no facts whatsoever to support this," Motoo Nagai, chairman of Nissan's auditing committee, told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting.

Responding to demands from a shareholder to address the speculation, Nagai argued that the investigation into Ghosn was conducted both internally and by outside law firms.

Monday's meeting lasted almost two hours - twice as long as planned, as shareholders grilled Chief Executive Makoto Uchida on how he planned to restore trust in the company following the Ghosn scandal, and revive sales in the United States and China.

Uchida, who took the helm in December, told shareholders he would stick to his promise to step down as leader if he fails to deliver on a turnaround plan for the Japanese automaker, which last month reported its first annual loss in 11 years.

Seeking to slash costs and downsize after years of excessive spending in the pursuit of market share, Nissan plans to cut its model range by about a fifth and reduce production capacity, shuttering plants in Spain and Indonesia and laying off workers in countries including Mexico.

It now aims to sell 5 million vehicles a year, far fewer than past ambitions of 8 million.

Nissan Motor Co has blasted suggestions in media reports of a conspiracy within the company to oust former chairman Carlos Ghosn. Ghosn's 2018 arrest in Japan on financial misconduct charges has led to much speculation that the move was orchestrated by Nissan executives who opposed closer ties with partner Renault SA.

Nissan Motor Co has blasted suggestions in media reports of a conspiracy within the company to oust former chairman Carlos Ghosn. Ghosn's 2018 arrest in Japan on financial misconduct charges has led to much speculation that the move was orchestrated by Nissan executives who opposed closer ties with partner Renault SA. "I know that in books and the media there has been talk about a conspiracy but there are no facts whatsoever to support this," Motoo Nagai, chairman of Nissan's auditing committee, told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting. Responding to demands from a shareholder to address the speculation, Nagai argued that the investigation into Ghosn was conducted both internally and by outside law firms. Monday's meeting lasted almost two hours - twice as long as planned, as shareholders grilled Chief Executive Makoto Uchida on how he planned to restore trust in the company following the Ghosn scandal, and revive sales in the United States and China. Uchida, who took the helm in December, told shareholders he would stick to his promise to step down as leader if he fails to deliver on a turnaround plan for the Japanese automaker, which last month reported its first annual loss in 11 years. Seeking to slash costs and downsize after years of excessive spending in the pursuit of market share, Nissan plans to cut its model range by about a fifth and reduce production capacity, shuttering plants in Spain and Indonesia and laying off workers in countries including Mexico. It now aims to sell 5 million vehicles a year, far fewer than past ambitions of 8 million.

No conspiracy to oust ex-chairman Ghosn: Nissan

Junichiro Hironaka, the head lawyer of former Nisaan chief <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/lebanon-bans-ghosn-from-foreign-travel-273237">Carlos Ghosn</a> along with Takashi Takanio, his other Japanese attorney have resigned on Thursday.

The lawyers did not state the reason behind their resignation.

The 65-year-old businessman, for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan, fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million.

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-nissan-boss-ghosn-says-french-envoy-warned-about-nissan-turning-against-him-274341">Former Nissan boss Ghosn says French envoy warned about Nissan plotting against him</a>

He became an international fugitive after he fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/lebanon-bans-ghosn-from-foreign-travel-273237">Also read:&nbsp;Lebanon bans Carlos Ghosn from foreign travel</a>

Ghosn had attacked Japan’s justice system and said that ''I have been a victim of injustice, political persecution and 'ripped' from friends, family''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/former-nissan-chairman-carlos-ghosn-holds-first-press-conference-since-escape-from-japan-273012">There was no way I was going to be treated fairly: Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn</a>

His wife Carole Ghosn had said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month. 
&nbsp;

Junichiro Hironaka, the head lawyer of former Nisaan chief Carlos Ghosn along with Takashi Takanio, his other Japanese attorney have resigned on Thursday. The lawyers did not state the reason behind their resignation.

Junichiro Hironaka, the head lawyer of former Nisaan chief Carlos Ghosn along with Takashi Takanio, his other Japanese attorney have resigned on Thursday. The lawyers did not state the reason behind their resignation. The 65-year-old businessman, for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan, fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million. × Also read: Former Nissan boss Ghosn says French envoy warned about Nissan plotting against him He became an international fugitive after he fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct. Also read: Lebanon bans Carlos Ghosn from foreign travel Ghosn had attacked Japan’s justice system and said that ''I have been a victim of injustice, political persecution and 'ripped' from friends, family''. Also read: There was no way I was going to be treated fairly: Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn His wife Carole Ghosn had said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month.

Japanese lawyers of ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn quit after he flees

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wasnt-aware-of-anything-carlos-ghosns-wife-on -husbands-escape-after-japanese-authorities-issue-arrest-warrant-for-her- ...">Lebanon</a> banned former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn from travelling on Thursday after questioning him over an Interpol "red notice" of charges of financial misconduct in Japan, judicial sources said.

The 65-year-old businessman,&nbsp;for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan,&nbsp;fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million.

His shock arrival in his native Lebanon last month was the latest twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot and prompted outrage from the Japanese government as well as from Nissan.

"The state prosecution issued a travel ban for Ghosn, and asked for his file from the Japanese authorities," said a judicial source.

A second judicial source said, "He has been banned from travelling until his judicial file arrives from Japan."

"According to what is inside the file, if it appears that the crimes he is accused of in Japan require being pursued in Lebanon, he will be tried," the source added.

"But if it doesn't require being pursued under Lebanese law, then he will be free."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-nissan-chairman-carlos-ghosn-holds-first-press-conference-since-escape-from-japan-273012">There was no way I was going to be treated fairly: Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn</a>

Lebanon's judiciary received a "red notice" from Interpol last week urging Ghosn's arrest.

A "red notice" is a request to police across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant.

Lebanon does not have an extradition agreement with Japan.

Ghosn also made a statement to prosecutors on a report submitted by Lebanese lawyers that he had travelled to neighbouring Israel as head of Renault-Nissan.

Lebanon and neighbouring Israel are still technically at war, and Beirut has forbidden its citizens from visiting or having contacts.

In early 2008, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to -bolster-borders-272500">Ghosn</a> travelled to Israel to announce the mass production of electric vehicles there with the cooperation of Renault-Nissan.

At a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, Ghosn apologised to the Lebanese people for having visited the neighbouring country.

He said he went as the head of Renault.

"I went as a Frenchman because of a contract between Renault and an Israeli company," said Ghosn, who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities.

"I always come back to Lebanon and nothing has ever happened before," he said.

Lebanon banned former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn from travelling on Thursday after questioning him over an Interpol "red notice" of charges of financial misconduct in Japan, judicial sources said.

Lebanon banned former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn from travelling on Thursday after questioning him over an Interpol "red notice" of charges of financial misconduct in Japan, judicial sources said. The 65-year-old businessman, for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan, fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million. His shock arrival in his native Lebanon last month was the latest twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot and prompted outrage from the Japanese government as well as from Nissan. "The state prosecution issued a travel ban for Ghosn, and asked for his file from the Japanese authorities," said a judicial source. A second judicial source said, "He has been banned from travelling until his judicial file arrives from Japan." "According to what is inside the file, if it appears that the crimes he is accused of in Japan require being pursued in Lebanon, he will be tried," the source added. "But if it doesn't require being pursued under Lebanese law, then he will be free." Also Read: There was no way I was going to be treated fairly: Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn Lebanon's judiciary received a "red notice" from Interpol last week urging Ghosn's arrest. A "red notice" is a request to police across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant. Lebanon does not have an extradition agreement with Japan. Ghosn also made a statement to prosecutors on a report submitted by Lebanese lawyers that he had travelled to neighbouring Israel as head of Renault-Nissan. Lebanon and neighbouring Israel are still technically at war, and Beirut has forbidden its citizens from visiting or having contacts. In early 2008, Ghosn travelled to Israel to announce the mass production of electric vehicles there with the cooperation of Renault-Nissan. At a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, Ghosn apologised to the Lebanese people for having visited the neighbouring country. He said he went as the head of Renault. "I went as a Frenchman because of a contract between Renault and an Israeli company," said Ghosn, who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities. "I always come back to Lebanon and nothing has ever happened before," he said.

Lebanon bans Carlos Ghosn from foreign travel

Japanese automaker Nissan on Tuesday slammed its former chief Carlos Ghosn for jumping bail, calling his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to-bolster-borders-272500">escape</a> "extremely regrettable" and vowing continued legal action to hold him accountable.

Ghosn, who faced trial on financial misconduct charges that he denies, fled Japan on December 29 for Lebanon, in an elaborate and apparently carefully planned escape.

Watch:&nbsp;'The Great Escape' of ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn

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His bail-jumping has prompted outrage from Japanese officials, but he insists that he would have been unable to receive a fair trial in Japan.&nbsp;

In a statement, Nissan said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Former+Nissan+boss+Carlos+Ghosn+reportedly+escaped+Tokyo+on+public+bullet+train">Ghosn's escape</a> "in violation of his bail conditions is an act that defies Japan's judicial system. Nissan finds it extremely regrettable."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">'Unexpected surprise': How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon?&nbsp;</a>

The firm said its "robust, thorough internal investigation" had "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn".

"The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," it added.

Ghosn alleges that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">charges against him</a> stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and local Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the Japanese automaker with its alliance partner, French firm Renault.

Ghosn is due to give a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, where he has said he will provide details about the alleged "coup" against him.

Japanese automaker Nissan on Tuesday slammed its former chief Carlos Ghosn for jumping bail, calling his escape "extremely regrettable" and vowing continued legal action to hold him accountable.

Japanese automaker Nissan on Tuesday slammed its former chief Carlos Ghosn for jumping bail, calling his escape "extremely regrettable" and vowing continued legal action to hold him accountable. Ghosn, who faced trial on financial misconduct charges that he denies, fled Japan on December 29 for Lebanon, in an elaborate and apparently carefully planned escape. Watch: 'The Great Escape' of ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn His bail-jumping has prompted outrage from Japanese officials, but he insists that he would have been unable to receive a fair trial in Japan. In a statement, Nissan said Ghosn's escape "in violation of his bail conditions is an act that defies Japan's judicial system. Nissan finds it extremely regrettable." Also read: 'Unexpected surprise': How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon? The firm said its "robust, thorough internal investigation" had "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". "The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," it added. Ghosn alleges that the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and local Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the Japanese automaker with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Ghosn is due to give a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, where he has said he will provide details about the alleged "coup" against him.

Ghosn's escape 'extremely regrettable': Nissan

Nissan ex-boss Carlos Ghosn will hold a news conference in Beirut on January 8. Ghosn's lawyer informed about this news after abruptly arriving from Japan, where he was under house arrest and accused of financial misconduct. Nissan Motor has strengthened a taskforce of senior officials ahead of an expected onslaught of criticism from former chairman Carlos Ghosn following his dramatic escape from house arrest in Japan. #CarlosGhosn #Nissan #Ghosn

Nissan ex-boss Carlos Ghosn to hold press conference on January 8

Japan&nbsp;has&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;for&nbsp;help&nbsp;regarding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosns-escape-extremely-regrettable-nissan-272597">Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn</a>, a top&nbsp;Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking&nbsp;from&nbsp;local authorities.

The former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Nissan Motor Co Ltd</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fiat-chrysler-french-carmaker-psa-agree-on-mega-merger-268996">Renault SA</a>&nbsp; chairman became an international&nbsp;fugitive&nbsp;after he fled to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to-bolster-borders-272500">Lebanon</a>, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in&nbsp;Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct.

He&nbsp;has&nbsp;denied any wrongdoing and&nbsp;has&nbsp;said he was the victim of "backstabbing" and a "conspiracy" that wanted to derail his efforts to bring the two automakers towards a merger.

Japanese authorities said on Monday they may press for&nbsp;Ghosn's extradition&nbsp;from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;to face the charges, even though the Middle Eastern country does not normally extradite its nationals.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-send-warship-planes-to-middle-east-to-protect-vessels-270515">Yoshihide Suga</a>, sidestepped questions about what exactly&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;had asked of&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;beyond "finding out the truth".

"It's necessary to carefully consider the legal systems of both countries," he told a news conference, referring to any requests for the extradition of a&nbsp;fugitive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Ghosn</a>&nbsp;is due to speak to the media in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Wednesday where he is widely expected to detail some of the claims he&nbsp;has&nbsp;made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018.

Citing an interview with&nbsp;Ghosn, Fox Business reported that the former executive said he&nbsp;has&nbsp;"actual evidence" and documents to show there was a&nbsp;Japanese government-backed coup to "take him out". He plans to identify those he believes responsible at a news conference, the broadcaster reported.

Separately, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ghosn-fled-japan-after-security-firm-hired-by-nissan-stopped-surveillance-sources-272140">Nissan</a> said&nbsp;Ghosn's flight&nbsp;from&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;would not affect its policy of holding him responsible for "serious misconduct".

"The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;accountable for the harm that his misconduct&nbsp;has&nbsp;caused to Nissan," the&nbsp;Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Japan has asked Lebanon for help regarding Carlos Ghosn, a top Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking from local authorities.

Japan has asked Lebanon for help regarding Carlos Ghosn, a top Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking from local authorities. The former Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Renault SA chairman became an international fugitive after he fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct. He has denied any wrongdoing and has said he was the victim of "backstabbing" and a "conspiracy" that wanted to derail his efforts to bring the two automakers towards a merger. Japanese authorities said on Monday they may press for Ghosn's extradition from Lebanon to face the charges, even though the Middle Eastern country does not normally extradite its nationals. On Tuesday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, sidestepped questions about what exactly Japan had asked of Lebanon beyond "finding out the truth". "It's necessary to carefully consider the legal systems of both countries," he told a news conference, referring to any requests for the extradition of a fugitive. Ghosn is due to speak to the media in Lebanon on Wednesday where he is widely expected to detail some of the claims he has made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018. Citing an interview with Ghosn, Fox Business reported that the former executive said he has "actual evidence" and documents to show there was a Japanese government-backed coup to "take him out". He plans to identify those he believes responsible at a news conference, the broadcaster reported. Separately, Nissan said Ghosn's flight from Japan would not affect its policy of holding him responsible for "serious misconduct". "The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," the Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Japan to seek 'help' from Lebanon over fugitive Carlos Ghosn

The fugitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-receives-interpol-arrest-warrant-for-carlos-ghosn-271708">Carlos Ghosn</a> who was also former&nbsp;Renault-Nissan's chairman&nbsp;is due to be summoned by Lebanon's public prosecutor next week as per officials. He had also skipped bail in Japan and fled to Beirut.&nbsp;

The Lebanese authorities have already stressed that Ghosn who holds the French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities had entered the country legally and that Beirut had no extradition agreement with Japan.

An official speaking to media on condition of anonymity said a summons was expected to be handed to Ghosn next week, as a result of Interpol issuing a "red notice" against him.

Watch:&nbsp;Interpol sends red notice to Lebanon about fugitive Carlos Ghosn

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"The Lebanese judiciary is obliged to hear him. But it can still decide whether to arrest him or let him remain free," the official said, adding that Ghosn could be heard on January 7 or 8.

Ghosn, once Japan's best-paid corporate executive, was arrested in November 2018 and has been under house arrest since April, facing multiple charges of financial misconduct.

Claiming the Japanese judiciary was "rigged" and that he would not receive a fair trial, Ghosn skipped bail on December 30 and flew to Beirut on a private jet.

The exact circumstances of his escape remain unclear.

The 65-year-old is due to talk to the press in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-flies-to-lebanon-271146">Beirut</a> next week.

"I have not fled justice. I have escaped injustice and political persecution," said Ghosn in a December 31 statement.

An Interpol 'red notice' is a request to law enforcement across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant.

Japan is probing how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Ghosn</a> was able to slip out and Turkey has also detained seven individuals over Ghosn's transit through Istanbul, where he changed private jets on his way to Lebanon.

Ghosn, who was born in Brazil, is well connected in Lebanon, where he owns stakes in several major business ventures and firms.

The fugitive Carlos Ghosn who was also former Renault-Nissan's chairman is due to be summoned by Lebanon's public prosecutor next week as per officials. He had also skipped bail in Japan and fled to Beirut.

The fugitive Carlos Ghosn who was also former Renault-Nissan's chairman is due to be summoned by Lebanon's public prosecutor next week as per officials. He had also skipped bail in Japan and fled to Beirut. The Lebanese authorities have already stressed that Ghosn who holds the French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities had entered the country legally and that Beirut had no extradition agreement with Japan. An official speaking to media on condition of anonymity said a summons was expected to be handed to Ghosn next week, as a result of Interpol issuing a "red notice" against him. Watch: Interpol sends red notice to Lebanon about fugitive Carlos Ghosn × "The Lebanese judiciary is obliged to hear him. But it can still decide whether to arrest him or let him remain free," the official said, adding that Ghosn could be heard on January 7 or 8. Ghosn, once Japan's best-paid corporate executive, was arrested in November 2018 and has been under house arrest since April, facing multiple charges of financial misconduct. Claiming the Japanese judiciary was "rigged" and that he would not receive a fair trial, Ghosn skipped bail on December 30 and flew to Beirut on a private jet. The exact circumstances of his escape remain unclear. The 65-year-old is due to talk to the press in Beirut next week. "I have not fled justice. I have escaped injustice and political persecution," said Ghosn in a December 31 statement. An Interpol 'red notice' is a request to law enforcement across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant. Japan is probing how Ghosn was able to slip out and Turkey has also detained seven individuals over Ghosn's transit through Istanbul, where he changed private jets on his way to Lebanon. Ghosn, who was born in Brazil, is well connected in Lebanon, where he owns stakes in several major business ventures and firms.

Fugitive Carlos Ghosn to be summoned by Lebanese judiciary: Official

As per the briefing of a&nbsp;turkish private jet operator, on Friday the ex-Nissan boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">Carlos Ghosn</a> used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents.

MNG Jet said it had filed a criminal complaint about the incident, a day after Turkish police detained seven people, including four pilots, as part of an investigation into Ghosn's passage through Istanbul en route to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-alone-organised-my-departure-from-japan-fugitive-carlos-ghosn-271734">Lebanon</a>.

Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes.

Lebanon on Thursday received an Interpol arrest warrant for Ghosn, whose surprise escape from his home in Tokyo to a separate home in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Beirut</a> has not been fully explained.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing investigative sources, said a surveillance camera captured the former Nissan Motor Co chairman leaving his Tokyo residence alone shortly before his escape.

The security footage was taken by a camera installed at his house in central Tokyo around noon on Sunday, and the camera did not show him returning home, NHK said.

By early Monday, he had touched down in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">Istanbul</a>.

MNG Jet said in its statement it leased two jets to two different clients in agreements that "were seemingly not connected to each other." One plane flew from Osaka to Istanbul, the other from Istanbul to Beirut.

"The name of Mr Ghosn did not appear in the official documentation of any of the flights," it said.

"After having learnt through the media that the leasing was benefiting Mr Ghosn and not the officially declared passengers, MNG Jet launched an internal inquiry and filed a criminal complaint in Turkey," it added.

An employee admitted to falsifying the records and confirmed he "acted in his individual capacity," the company said.

The pilots and other detainees, including two airport ground staff and one cargo worker, were sent to court on Friday after giving statements to police, according to a Reuters witness.

Ghosn has said he will speak publicly about his escape on January&nbsp;8.

Some Lebanese media have floated a Houdini-like account of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-receives-interpol-arrest-warrant-for-carlos-ghosn-271708">Ghosn</a> being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments after a private concert in his home, but his wife has called the account "fiction".

NHK said police suspected Ghosn may have left his home to meet up with someone before heading to an airport. Under the terms of his bail, Ghosn was required to have security cameras installed at the entrance of his house.

As per the briefing of a turkish private jet operator, on Friday the ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents.

As per the briefing of a turkish private jet operator, on Friday the ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents. MNG Jet said it had filed a criminal complaint about the incident, a day after Turkish police detained seven people, including four pilots, as part of an investigation into Ghosn's passage through Istanbul en route to Lebanon. Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes. Lebanon on Thursday received an Interpol arrest warrant for Ghosn, whose surprise escape from his home in Tokyo to a separate home in Beirut has not been fully explained. Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing investigative sources, said a surveillance camera captured the former Nissan Motor Co chairman leaving his Tokyo residence alone shortly before his escape. The security footage was taken by a camera installed at his house in central Tokyo around noon on Sunday, and the camera did not show him returning home, NHK said. By early Monday, he had touched down in Istanbul. MNG Jet said in its statement it leased two jets to two different clients in agreements that "were seemingly not connected to each other." One plane flew from Osaka to Istanbul, the other from Istanbul to Beirut. "The name of Mr Ghosn did not appear in the official documentation of any of the flights," it said. "After having learnt through the media that the leasing was benefiting Mr Ghosn and not the officially declared passengers, MNG Jet launched an internal inquiry and filed a criminal complaint in Turkey," it added. An employee admitted to falsifying the records and confirmed he "acted in his individual capacity," the company said. The pilots and other detainees, including two airport ground staff and one cargo worker, were sent to court on Friday after giving statements to police, according to a Reuters witness. Ghosn has said he will speak publicly about his escape on January 8. Some Lebanese media have floated a Houdini-like account of Ghosn being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments after a private concert in his home, but his wife has called the account "fiction". NHK said police suspected Ghosn may have left his home to meet up with someone before heading to an airport. Under the terms of his bail, Ghosn was required to have security cameras installed at the entrance of his house.

Ghosn used two of our jets illegally his escape from Japan, says Turkish company

A wanted notice was delivered to Lebanese authorities on January 2 by Interpol for Carlos Ghosn, three days after the former head of Nissan jumped bail in Japan and surreptitiously fled to Beirut via Turkey. Seven people suspected of being accomplices in Ghosn's escape to Lebanon have been detained in Turkey. # CarlosGhosn #Lebanon #WION

Interpol sends red notice to Lebanon about fugitive Carlos Ghosn

Dramatic Escape Of Carlos Ghosn From Japan. #CarlosGhosn #EscapeOfCarlosGhosn #Japan

Gravitas: 'The great escape' of Carlos Ghosn

One year ago, the sudden arrest at a Tokyo airport of Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, one of the world's best-known and respected tycoons, sent shockwaves through the business world.

After 130 days languishing in a Japanese detention centre, Ghosn is now out on bail and vigorously proclaiming his innocence, seeking to have his case declared null and void,&nbsp;even if legal experts and his own defence deem his chances unlikely.

The 65-year-old Brazil-born executive faces charges of deferring part of his salary until after his retirement and concealing this from shareholders, as well as syphoning off millions in Nissan cash for his own purposes.

Ghosn denies every charge and has accused prosecutors and even Japanese government officials of colluding in a "plot" with Nissan to find a way to destroy him, fearful he was seeking to merge the firm with France's Renault.

His defence team filed a motion on October 24 to throw out the case given what they allege is illegal activity by Nissan and the prosecution,&nbsp;including seizing his wife's phone and searching private homes.

But even his own defence lawyer Takashi Takano is doubtful of success, telling AFP: "There are no precedents and Japanese courts are very reluctant to accept this type of argument."

Yasuyuki Takai, a former head of the special prosecutors' bureau in Tokyo, agreed: "This motion has zero chance of succeeding."

"The real goal of the lawyers is to get an acquittal. This motion can only serve to calm down the accused and to say publicly that the prosecutors and Nissan did terrible things," Takai told AFP.

'Hostage justice'

Independent lawyer Nobuo Gohara said it was "debatable" as to whether Ghosn even had a legal obligation to declare the alleged deferred salary and "in any case, it should not have led to an arrest".

"The Ghosn case was an enormous global shock which has uncovered very big problems in the way the Japanese system functions," Gohara told AFP.

"This case should never have existed. You can only think that the end goal was to arrest Carlos Ghosn."

The world-famous executive, once revered in Japan for rescuing the struggling Nissan and who crisscrossed the globe in private jets as the head of worldwide business, now faces 15 years in prison if convicted.

Defence and prosecution teams have held regular pre-trial meetings but Ghosn's team has complained that they do not yet have access to prosecution documents "proving" the tycoon's guilt.

This has delayed progress towards a trial and also explains why the defence has not yet itself produced what it says is cast-iron proof of Ghosn's innocence.

Around 99 per cent of trials in Japan result in a conviction and the global media attention given to the Ghosn case has shone a spotlight on the Japanese justice system.

Suspects can be detained for several days without being formally charged and can be re-arrested many times, extending the period of detention,&nbsp;a system critics dub "hostage justice" designed to extract a confession.

Ghosn is now out on bail and has been able to enjoy some trips outside Tokyo with his daughter while preparing for a trial expected to take place in the spring of next year.

His lawyers describe him as in relatively good spirits and combative, even though he remains banned from any contact with his wife Carole,&nbsp;a measure Takano slams as "stupid" and "useless".

"There is no justification... It's just a punishment," said the lawyer, adding he hoped the judges would relent before the Christmas holidays.

One year ago, the sudden arrest at a Tokyo airport of Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, one of the world's best-known and respected tycoons, sent shockwaves through the business world.

One year ago, the sudden arrest at a Tokyo airport of Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, one of the world's best-known and respected tycoons, sent shockwaves through the business world. After 130 days languishing in a Japanese detention centre, Ghosn is now out on bail and vigorously proclaiming his innocence, seeking to have his case declared null and void, even if legal experts and his own defence deem his chances unlikely. The 65-year-old Brazil-born executive faces charges of deferring part of his salary until after his retirement and concealing this from shareholders, as well as syphoning off millions in Nissan cash for his own purposes. Ghosn denies every charge and has accused prosecutors and even Japanese government officials of colluding in a "plot" with Nissan to find a way to destroy him, fearful he was seeking to merge the firm with France's Renault. His defence team filed a motion on October 24 to throw out the case given what they allege is illegal activity by Nissan and the prosecution, including seizing his wife's phone and searching private homes. But even his own defence lawyer Takashi Takano is doubtful of success, telling AFP: "There are no precedents and Japanese courts are very reluctant to accept this type of argument." Yasuyuki Takai, a former head of the special prosecutors' bureau in Tokyo, agreed: "This motion has zero chance of succeeding." "The real goal of the lawyers is to get an acquittal. This motion can only serve to calm down the accused and to say publicly that the prosecutors and Nissan did terrible things," Takai told AFP. 'Hostage justice' Independent lawyer Nobuo Gohara said it was "debatable" as to whether Ghosn even had a legal obligation to declare the alleged deferred salary and "in any case, it should not have led to an arrest". "The Ghosn case was an enormous global shock which has uncovered very big problems in the way the Japanese system functions," Gohara told AFP. "This case should never have existed. You can only think that the end goal was to arrest Carlos Ghosn." The world-famous executive, once revered in Japan for rescuing the struggling Nissan and who crisscrossed the globe in private jets as the head of worldwide business, now faces 15 years in prison if convicted. Defence and prosecution teams have held regular pre-trial meetings but Ghosn's team has complained that they do not yet have access to prosecution documents "proving" the tycoon's guilt. This has delayed progress towards a trial and also explains why the defence has not yet itself produced what it says is cast-iron proof of Ghosn's innocence. Around 99 per cent of trials in Japan result in a conviction and the global media attention given to the Ghosn case has shone a spotlight on the Japanese justice system. Suspects can be detained for several days without being formally charged and can be re-arrested many times, extending the period of detention, a system critics dub "hostage justice" designed to extract a confession. Ghosn is now out on bail and has been able to enjoy some trips outside Tokyo with his daughter while preparing for a trial expected to take place in the spring of next year. His lawyers describe him as in relatively good spirits and combative, even though he remains banned from any contact with his wife Carole, a measure Takano slams as "stupid" and "useless". "There is no justification... It's just a punishment," said the lawyer, adding he hoped the judges would relent before the Christmas holidays.

One year after arrest, Ghosn seeks to throw out case against him

A year on from the shock fall of boss Carlos Ghosn, the Renault-Nissan automobile alliance is bent on a reboot to leave behind the upheaval and dust kicked up by the affair.

The giant task falls to new board chairman Jean-Dominique Senard in the context of the car industry as a whole racing to meet huge new challenges.

Ghosn revelled in taking the two partners to the forefront of the carmaking game.

A total of 10.76 million vehicles sold last year along with ally Mitsubishi Motor put the trio ahead of Toyota and Volkswagen.

But this year saw volumes slide back again below those of both rivals.

The demise of the authoritarian Ghosn following his arrest on financial misconduct charges lifted the lid on an empire riven with internal conflict as he straddled the chairmanship of three companies, concentrating all power in himself.

"The unity of command masked the incredible diversity of forces at work. When that exploded it liberated them," says one highly-placed official within the alliance.

In one corner, feeling they were the standout part of the partnership yet long seeing themselves as under-valued, were the Japanese behind Nissan director Hiroto Saikawa.

In the other, foursquare behind Renault's then chief executive Thierry Bollore, the French contingent nursed a sense of betrayal at a secret Nissan investigation which had delivered Ghosn into the hands of the Japanese judiciary.

Unlike Volkswagen or Toyota, the alliance is not an integrated group but a partnership based on cross-shareholdings without a joint structure. Renault holds 43 per cent of Nissan, which has a 15 per cent stake in Renault and a 34 per cent controlling stake in Mitsubishi.

Lost year

Since the Ghosn affair burst into the open last November, there has been no means of achieving constructive dialogue or decision making, meaning a year has been lost as a result.

Last month saw the quickfire departures of both Saikawa and Bollore which did allow one page to be turned.

"There were excesses on both sides and sparks flew. But there has been a clean-up at Nissan as well as Renault. The people now in place are all convinced of the need to reinforce the alliance," said one source close to Nissan.

Ongoing problems include profitability and cash generation amid the burning need for technological innovations including electric and autonomous cars in a shrinking market.

Renault and Nissan have reduced operational margin targets for this year to five and 1.4 per cent of sales respectively.

That compares with Volkswagen's 6.5 to 7.5 per cent despite it having to bounce back from an emissions scandal which cost it tens of billions in fines. Toyota tops that with more than eight per cent.

Invisible synergies

"For a longstanding partnership" of 20 years "it is a little surprising that the synergies which should have existed for a long time don't show up in the figures," commented Vittoria Ferraris, an analyst with S&amp;P Global Ratings, which recently lowered its rating for Renault and put Nissan's on negative watch.

But Senard recently insisted that "you will be surprised at the strength of the alliance in the months ahead".

He added that the last meeting of the partner boards "was one of the most positive since I arrived".

After failing to deliver a hoped-for merger with Fiat Chrysler,&nbsp;now set to seal the deal with French rival PSA, the alliance is looking for new initiatives.

Debate on governance reform remains on the table, with the Japanese wanting a tilt in their favour.

Given Renault's strength in Europe and Nissan's in the USA and China, the pair are geographically complementary and could pool expertise on the move to electric power.

But Ferraris warns that while "the tough market will provide strong motivation... the problem is the time that will take".

A year on from the shock fall of boss Carlos Ghosn, the Renault-Nissan automobile alliance is bent on a reboot to leave behind the upheaval and dust kicked up by the affair.

A year on from the shock fall of boss Carlos Ghosn, the Renault-Nissan automobile alliance is bent on a reboot to leave behind the upheaval and dust kicked up by the affair. The giant task falls to new board chairman Jean-Dominique Senard in the context of the car industry as a whole racing to meet huge new challenges. Ghosn revelled in taking the two partners to the forefront of the carmaking game. A total of 10.76 million vehicles sold last year along with ally Mitsubishi Motor put the trio ahead of Toyota and Volkswagen. But this year saw volumes slide back again below those of both rivals. The demise of the authoritarian Ghosn following his arrest on financial misconduct charges lifted the lid on an empire riven with internal conflict as he straddled the chairmanship of three companies, concentrating all power in himself. "The unity of command masked the incredible diversity of forces at work. When that exploded it liberated them," says one highly-placed official within the alliance. In one corner, feeling they were the standout part of the partnership yet long seeing themselves as under-valued, were the Japanese behind Nissan director Hiroto Saikawa. In the other, foursquare behind Renault's then chief executive Thierry Bollore, the French contingent nursed a sense of betrayal at a secret Nissan investigation which had delivered Ghosn into the hands of the Japanese judiciary. Unlike Volkswagen or Toyota, the alliance is not an integrated group but a partnership based on cross-shareholdings without a joint structure. Renault holds 43 per cent of Nissan, which has a 15 per cent stake in Renault and a 34 per cent controlling stake in Mitsubishi. Lost year Since the Ghosn affair burst into the open last November, there has been no means of achieving constructive dialogue or decision making, meaning a year has been lost as a result. Last month saw the quickfire departures of both Saikawa and Bollore which did allow one page to be turned. "There were excesses on both sides and sparks flew. But there has been a clean-up at Nissan as well as Renault. The people now in place are all convinced of the need to reinforce the alliance," said one source close to Nissan. Ongoing problems include profitability and cash generation amid the burning need for technological innovations including electric and autonomous cars in a shrinking market. Renault and Nissan have reduced operational margin targets for this year to five and 1.4 per cent of sales respectively. That compares with Volkswagen's 6.5 to 7.5 per cent despite it having to bounce back from an emissions scandal which cost it tens of billions in fines. Toyota tops that with more than eight per cent. Invisible synergies "For a longstanding partnership" of 20 years "it is a little surprising that the synergies which should have existed for a long time don't show up in the figures," commented Vittoria Ferraris, an analyst with S&P Global Ratings, which recently lowered its rating for Renault and put Nissan's on negative watch. But Senard recently insisted that "you will be surprised at the strength of the alliance in the months ahead". He added that the last meeting of the partner boards "was one of the most positive since I arrived". After failing to deliver a hoped-for merger with Fiat Chrysler, now set to seal the deal with French rival PSA, the alliance is looking for new initiatives. Debate on governance reform remains on the table, with the Japanese wanting a tilt in their favour. Given Renault's strength in Europe and Nissan's in the USA and China, the pair are geographically complementary and could pool expertise on the move to electric power. But Ferraris warns that while "the tough market will provide strong motivation... the problem is the time that will take".

Renault-Nissan alliance in flux a year after Ghosn shock

Ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn on Thursday urged a Tokyo court to dismiss the case against him, accusing Japanese prosecutors of a "pervasive pattern of illegal misconduct".

The claims, made in two filings to the Tokyo District Court, allege prosecutors colluded with Nissan and effectively subcontracted out their investigation to employees of the automaker who were trying to oust Ghosn.

"The court filings demonstrate that the prosecutors' case, which was politically motivated and poisoned from the start, is fundamentally flawed and contradicted by the evidentiary record," Ghosn's lawyers said in a statement.

Ghosn is out on bail in Tokyo, awaiting trial on four charges of financial misconduct. He denies any wrongdoing and laid out his defence again Thursday.

But he and his lawyers argue the entire case against him is "fundamentally flawed".

The filings allege the creation of a "secret task force" at Nissan created to "drum up allegations of wrongdoing by Mr Ghosn as a pretext to remove him".

They formalise claims Ghosn has made previously -- that the allegations against him stem from resentment within Nissan over his plans to more closely integrate the firm with its alliance partner, French automaker Renault.

Along with Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan and Renault form a leading auto alliance, but relations inside the partnership have been tense at times.

Ghosn's legal team claim the opposition to further integration of the car firms drew in even government officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

"The prosecution against him resulted from unlawful collusion between the prosecutors, government officials at METI and executives at Nissan," Ghosn's legal team said in a statement.

"Their goal: to oust Mr Ghosn in order to prevent him from further integrating Nissan and Renault, which threatened the autonomy of one of Japan's industry flagships."

Ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn on Thursday urged a Tokyo court to dismiss the case against him, accusing Japanese prosecutors of a "pervasive pattern of illegal misconduct".

Ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn on Thursday urged a Tokyo court to dismiss the case against him, accusing Japanese prosecutors of a "pervasive pattern of illegal misconduct". The claims, made in two filings to the Tokyo District Court, allege prosecutors colluded with Nissan and effectively subcontracted out their investigation to employees of the automaker who were trying to oust Ghosn. "The court filings demonstrate that the prosecutors' case, which was politically motivated and poisoned from the start, is fundamentally flawed and contradicted by the evidentiary record," Ghosn's lawyers said in a statement. Ghosn is out on bail in Tokyo, awaiting trial on four charges of financial misconduct. He denies any wrongdoing and laid out his defence again Thursday. But he and his lawyers argue the entire case against him is "fundamentally flawed". The filings allege the creation of a "secret task force" at Nissan created to "drum up allegations of wrongdoing by Mr Ghosn as a pretext to remove him". They formalise claims Ghosn has made previously -- that the allegations against him stem from resentment within Nissan over his plans to more closely integrate the firm with its alliance partner, French automaker Renault. Along with Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan and Renault form a leading auto alliance, but relations inside the partnership have been tense at times. Ghosn's legal team claim the opposition to further integration of the car firms drew in even government officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). "The prosecution against him resulted from unlawful collusion between the prosecutors, government officials at METI and executives at Nissan," Ghosn's legal team said in a statement. "Their goal: to oust Mr Ghosn in order to prevent him from further integrating Nissan and Renault, which threatened the autonomy of one of Japan's industry flagships."

Ghosn wants case dismissed over 'prosecutor misconduct'

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa will be stepping down shortly, its board said on Monday, amid accusations of financial irregularities as the carmaker reels from the arrest and ouster of former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wife-of-nissans-former-boss-carlos-ghosn-seeks-donald-trump-help-228006">boss Carlos Ghosn</a>.

"After the board discussion, the board asked Mr Saikawa to step down from the CEO position. Mr Saikawa accepted this," Yasushi Kimura, chair of the board of directors, told reporters.

Hiroto Saikawa's reported decision to step down comes days after he admitted receiving overpayments, and is the latest blow to the firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-search-ex-nissan-chief-ghosns-home-over-marriage-celebrations-in-palace-of-versailles-226999">after Ghosn's arrest</a> and ouster.

The current chief operating officer, Yasuhiro Yamauchi, will take over as acting CEO on September 16, when Saikawa officially leaves, added Kimura.

According to reports in the local media on Monday, Saikawa is suspected of improperly adding $440,000&nbsp;to his compensation by altering the terms of a bonus.

Another board member, Motoo Nagai, said that there was "no illegality" to what Saikawa did but he should not have delegated elements of his pay to another executive.

"At the end of the day, the operation which should have been carried out by the president himself was carried out, delegated to others, which is a violation of the rules," said Nagai.

The audit was launched in the wake of the Ghosn scandal but appears to have implicated Saikawa and other executives for receiving excess pay as part of a scheme under which directors can earn a bonus if their company's share price rises above a certain level in a set period.

Saikawa had apologised last week while denying any wrongdoing.

"I left the issue to someone else so I had thought it was dealt with in an appropriate manner," he told reporters.

The carmaker is currently undergoing an overhaul intended to strengthen governance after the Ghosn scandal.

In June, Nissan shareholders voted in favour of various measures including the establishment of three new oversight committees responsible for the appointment of senior officials, pay issues and auditing.

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa will be stepping down shortly, its board said on Monday, amid accusations of financial irregularities as the carmaker reels from the arrest and ouster of former boss Carlos Ghosn.

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa will be stepping down shortly, its board said on Monday, amid accusations of financial irregularities as the carmaker reels from the arrest and ouster of former boss Carlos Ghosn. "After the board discussion, the board asked Mr Saikawa to step down from the CEO position. Mr Saikawa accepted this," Yasushi Kimura, chair of the board of directors, told reporters. Hiroto Saikawa's reported decision to step down comes days after he admitted receiving overpayments, and is the latest blow to the firm after Ghosn's arrest and ouster. The current chief operating officer, Yasuhiro Yamauchi, will take over as acting CEO on September 16, when Saikawa officially leaves, added Kimura. According to reports in the local media on Monday, Saikawa is suspected of improperly adding $440,000 to his compensation by altering the terms of a bonus. Another board member, Motoo Nagai, said that there was "no illegality" to what Saikawa did but he should not have delegated elements of his pay to another executive. "At the end of the day, the operation which should have been carried out by the president himself was carried out, delegated to others, which is a violation of the rules," said Nagai. The audit was launched in the wake of the Ghosn scandal but appears to have implicated Saikawa and other executives for receiving excess pay as part of a scheme under which directors can earn a bonus if their company's share price rises above a certain level in a set period. Saikawa had apologised last week while denying any wrongdoing. "I left the issue to someone else so I had thought it was dealt with in an appropriate manner," he told reporters. The carmaker is currently undergoing an overhaul intended to strengthen governance after the Ghosn scandal. In June, Nissan shareholders voted in favour of various measures including the establishment of three new oversight committees responsible for the appointment of senior officials, pay issues and auditing.

After Ghosn, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa to step down over financial irregularities accusation

Japanese prosecutors Thursday re-arrested Carlos Ghosn on fresh allegations of financial misconduct, as the former auto tycoon slammed an "outrageous and arbitrary" detention and vowed he would "not be broken."

In the early hours, officials raided the central Tokyo apartment the 65-year-old Ghosn has called home since winning bail last month after more than 100 days of detention on different charges.

It was the latest twist in a rollercoaster drama that has gripped Japan and the rest of the world since his shock arrest at a Tokyo airport on November 19.

Prosecutors said Ghosn had been detained over transfers of Nissan funds totalling $15 million between late 2015 and the middle of 2018. They suspect Ghosn used $5 million of that for personal expenditure.

"The suspect... was responsible for overseeing the whole of Nissan's operations and performing his duty loyally so as not to cause losses to Nissan, but he betrayed that duty in order to benefit himself," they said in a statement.

Ghosn released a statement through his representatives attacking what he called the "outrageous and arbitrary" detention.

"Why arrest me except to try to break me? I will not be broken," said the former high-flying executive.

He has denied any wrongdoing and took to Twitter for the first time Wednesday to announce plans to "tell the truth" at an April 11 news conference that now looks unlikely.

Prosecutors can hold Ghosn for up to 22 days while they investigate the new claims and may rearrest him again or seek to hold him in pre-trial detention.

Deputy chief prosecutor Shin Kukimoto justified the arrest by saying they judged there was a "risk of destruction of evidence".

But Ghosn's lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, known as the "Razor" for his mental sharpness, told reporters the fresh arrest was "against the spirit of the law" and "should not be tolerated in a civilised nation."

He added his client had expected prosecutors would re-arrest him and had therefore prepared a video, without specifying the contents or exactly when it would be released.

Visibly angry, he vowed to fight likely attempts by the prosecutor to extend the detention, claiming the arrest was "not necessary" and designed merely to pile pressure on Ghosn.

He added prosecutors had confiscated not only diaries and documents belonging to Ghosn, but also the passport and phone of the tycoon's wife Carole.

Carole Ghosn was questioned "without her attorney present, even though she is not targeted in this investigation," the family's French lawyer, Jessica Finelle, told French network BFMTV.

'Combative and innocent'

Ghosn already faces three separate charges. The first two relate to the alleged deferring of around $80 million in income and concealing this in official documents to shareholders.

The third, more complex, charge is that he attempted to transfer personal losses to Nissan and paid a Saudi contact who provided collateral from the company funds.

In an interview with French television, Ghosn reiterated he was "combative and innocent" but acknowledged "it's hard."

"A lot of lies have been told and these lies have come one after another," he said.

Ghosn, who holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, appealed to the French government to "defend" him and his "rights as a citizen."

French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire stressed Ghosn "should benefit from the presumption of innocence and consular protection," in an interview with BFMTV.

Thursday's arrest came after French car firm Renault, which Ghosn also once headed, handed French prosecutors documents showing the auto tycoon had authorised suspicious transfers worth millions of euros.

A Nissan spokesman said the firm's own internal probe had uncovered "substantial evidence of blatantly unethical conduct" and that their focus was on "addressing weaknesses in governance that enabled this misconduct."

'Tell the truth'

Ghosn had maintained his silence since paying around $9 million to win bail on March 6 when he walked out of his detention centre dressed in a workman's uniform in a bizarre attempt to evade the world's media.

Reports emerged early Wednesday that prosecutors were considering further charges against him whereupon Ghosn suddenly popped up on Twitter to announce he would "tell the truth" about his case.

His tweet, which his representatives confirmed was authentic, sparked questions about his bail conditions, which were thought to include a ban on internet use.

However, Hironaka insisted his client was acting within his rights, telling reporters: "My understanding is that he's not banned from using the internet" and prosecutor Kukimoto said the arrest had nothing to do with the tweet.

Ghosn was largely credited with saving Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy by tying its fortunes to Mitsubishi Motors and Renault.

He has frequently denounced his downfall as a "plot" by Nissan insiders worried he planned to push them into a full partnership with the French firm. 
&nbsp;

Japanese prosecutors Thursday re-arrested Carlos Ghosn on fresh allegations of financial misconduct, as the former auto tycoon slammed an "outrageous and arbitrary" detention and vowed he would "not be broken.

Japanese prosecutors Thursday re-arrested Carlos Ghosn on fresh allegations of financial misconduct, as the former auto tycoon slammed an "outrageous and arbitrary" detention and vowed he would "not be broken." In the early hours, officials raided the central Tokyo apartment the 65-year-old Ghosn has called home since winning bail last month after more than 100 days of detention on different charges. It was the latest twist in a rollercoaster drama that has gripped Japan and the rest of the world since his shock arrest at a Tokyo airport on November 19. Prosecutors said Ghosn had been detained over transfers of Nissan funds totalling $15 million between late 2015 and the middle of 2018. They suspect Ghosn used $5 million of that for personal expenditure. "The suspect... was responsible for overseeing the whole of Nissan's operations and performing his duty loyally so as not to cause losses to Nissan, but he betrayed that duty in order to benefit himself," they said in a statement. Ghosn released a statement through his representatives attacking what he called the "outrageous and arbitrary" detention. "Why arrest me except to try to break me? I will not be broken," said the former high-flying executive. He has denied any wrongdoing and took to Twitter for the first time Wednesday to announce plans to "tell the truth" at an April 11 news conference that now looks unlikely. Prosecutors can hold Ghosn for up to 22 days while they investigate the new claims and may rearrest him again or seek to hold him in pre-trial detention. Deputy chief prosecutor Shin Kukimoto justified the arrest by saying they judged there was a "risk of destruction of evidence". But Ghosn's lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, known as the "Razor" for his mental sharpness, told reporters the fresh arrest was "against the spirit of the law" and "should not be tolerated in a civilised nation." He added his client had expected prosecutors would re-arrest him and had therefore prepared a video, without specifying the contents or exactly when it would be released. Visibly angry, he vowed to fight likely attempts by the prosecutor to extend the detention, claiming the arrest was "not necessary" and designed merely to pile pressure on Ghosn. He added prosecutors had confiscated not only diaries and documents belonging to Ghosn, but also the passport and phone of the tycoon's wife Carole. Carole Ghosn was questioned "without her attorney present, even though she is not targeted in this investigation," the family's French lawyer, Jessica Finelle, told French network BFMTV. 'Combative and innocent' Ghosn already faces three separate charges. The first two relate to the alleged deferring of around $80 million in income and concealing this in official documents to shareholders. The third, more complex, charge is that he attempted to transfer personal losses to Nissan and paid a Saudi contact who provided collateral from the company funds. In an interview with French television, Ghosn reiterated he was "combative and innocent" but acknowledged "it's hard." "A lot of lies have been told and these lies have come one after another," he said. Ghosn, who holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, appealed to the French government to "defend" him and his "rights as a citizen." French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire stressed Ghosn "should benefit from the presumption of innocence and consular protection," in an interview with BFMTV. Thursday's arrest came after French car firm Renault, which Ghosn also once headed, handed French prosecutors documents showing the auto tycoon had authorised suspicious transfers worth millions of euros. A Nissan spokesman said the firm's own internal probe had uncovered "substantial evidence of blatantly unethical conduct" and that their focus was on "addressing weaknesses in governance that enabled this misconduct." 'Tell the truth' Ghosn had maintained his silence since paying around $9 million to win bail on March 6 when he walked out of his detention centre dressed in a workman's uniform in a bizarre attempt to evade the world's media. Reports emerged early Wednesday that prosecutors were considering further charges against him whereupon Ghosn suddenly popped up on Twitter to announce he would "tell the truth" about his case. His tweet, which his representatives confirmed was authentic, sparked questions about his bail conditions, which were thought to include a ban on internet use. However, Hironaka insisted his client was acting within his rights, telling reporters: "My understanding is that he's not banned from using the internet" and prosecutor Kukimoto said the arrest had nothing to do with the tweet. Ghosn was largely credited with saving Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy by tying its fortunes to Mitsubishi Motors and Renault. He has frequently denounced his downfall as a "plot" by Nissan insiders worried he planned to push them into a full partnership with the French firm.

Ghosn vows he won't be 'broken' after re-arrest in Tokyo

Former Nissan Motor Co boss Carlos Ghosn said he was disappointed that a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-bars-ex-boss-carlos-ghosn-from-nissan-board-meeting-report-202584">Tokyo court had rejected his request </a>to attend the car maker's board meeting on Tuesday, and that he was still willing to carry out his duties as a board member.

“Mr. Ghosn is disappointed that the Court denied his request to attend the Nissan Board of Directors meeting," according to a statement issued by a spokesman.

"As an elected member of the Board, Mr. Ghosn stands ready to fulfill his professional duties to the shareholders who elected him," the statement said.

"It is unfortunate that the meritless and unsubstantiated accusations against him have blocked his ideas and perspective from being deployed in service of the company he served for the past twenty years.”

Released on $9 million bail last week after spending more than 100 days in a Tokyo detention centre, Ghosn faces charges of under-reporting his salary at Nissan by about $82 million over nearly a decade.

He was stripped of the role of Nissan chairman but remains a board member.

Former Nissan Motor Co boss Carlos Ghosn said he was disappointed that a Tokyo court had rejected his request to attend the car maker's board meeting on Tuesday, and that he was still willing to carry out his duties as a board member.

Former Nissan Motor Co boss Carlos Ghosn said he was disappointed that a Tokyo court had rejected his request to attend the car maker's board meeting on Tuesday, and that he was still willing to carry out his duties as a board member. “Mr. Ghosn is disappointed that the Court denied his request to attend the Nissan Board of Directors meeting," according to a statement issued by a spokesman. "As an elected member of the Board, Mr. Ghosn stands ready to fulfill his professional duties to the shareholders who elected him," the statement said. "It is unfortunate that the meritless and unsubstantiated accusations against him have blocked his ideas and perspective from being deployed in service of the company he served for the past twenty years.” Released on $9 million bail last week after spending more than 100 days in a Tokyo detention centre, Ghosn faces charges of under-reporting his salary at Nissan by about $82 million over nearly a decade. He was stripped of the role of Nissan chairman but remains a board member.

Ghosn 'disappointed' at ban from Nissan meeting, wants to fulfill duties

No internet, no email and surveillance cameras to monitor his comings and goings.

After paying $9 million in bail, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn is out of a Japanese jail cell where he spent 108 days, but he must live under a host of restrictions while he awaits trial, which could be a year away.

As part of the bail deal arranged by his new legal team hired last month, Ghosn is banned from accessing the internet and email, and only allowed to use a computer not linked to the web at the office of one of his lawyers.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese citizenship, was indicted for under-reporting his salary and breach of trust. He must pay for the installation of surveillance cameras in the entrance of his Tokyo residence.

Footage will be viewed by members of the defence legal team and records sent to the Tokyo District Court, said Ghosn's renowned defence lawyer Junichiro Hironaka.

"The cameras will be placed where they can monitor those coming in and out. It's not for recording Ghosn's daily life," said Hironaka, who is nicknamed "the Razor" for many high-profile cases he's won in a country where the conviction rate is 99.9 per cent.

He said he and his colleagues would take turns to monitor.

"One person can't manage, so we'll divide it between the offices of the three defence attorneys," he said.

Similarly, records of Ghosn's phone calls will be kept by his legal team and submitted to the court, Hironaka said. The phone will keep records even if Ghosn attempts to delete them, he said.

It wasn't immediately clear how the internet ban would be enforced, though.

If Ghosn violates any of these conditions, the courts could send him back to jail and make him forfeit his $9 million bail, making any attempt to skirt the rules risky.

The Tokyo District Court declined to comment on how the conditions would be monitored.

TWICE DENIED

Ghosn is also prohibited from leaving Japan, which was widely expected, but must remain in Tokyo. He needs the court's permission if he wants to leave his house for more than two nights.

Ghosn had been denied bail twice under his previous legal team, which had proposed he wear a GPS ankle monitor, on grounds that he would be a flight risk or that he would destroy evidence. His new lawyers managed to convince the court otherwise, proposing the restrictions to address concerns.

But Shin Kukimoto, deputy public prosecutor at the Tokyo prosecutors office, said he thought the bail conditions were not sufficient to prevent tampering with evidence.

Despite that concern, experts said such restrictions were unusual and even harsh in Japan, which has faced international criticism for the prolonged detention of suspects, who are often held until a trial starts, with defence lawyers banned from interrogations.

"We have never seen conditions like this placed on bail. When I saw them I thought it was harsh," said Shingi Bando an official at the Japan Bail Support Association, which offers support to people who struggle to come up with bail.

SURGICAL MASK

Ghosn was released on Wednesday from the Tokyo Detention Center, where he had been held since his Nov. 19 arrest.

He was whisked past a horde of journalists dressed in what lead defence lawyer Takashi Takano later said was a disguise - a blue cap, glasses, surgical mask and workman's outfit - and was taken away in a mini-van with a ladder on top.

"We managed to have Mr. Ghosn’s bail granted, but it comes with many strict requirements," Takano wrote on his blog.

He said he the disguise was an attempt to ensure his client could be released without being noticed and taken to a secret location so he could "get back into a normal social life" with his family, who had come to Japan.

The ruse partly worked. While live TV coverage captured images of Ghosn emerging from jail surrounded by a group of guards, many journalists who were kept behind a fence outside didn't recognize him.

Hironaka said Ghosn agreed to go along with the disguise.

"It seemed as if Ghosn knew that being smart and confident in high brand suits is not always the best thing to do," he said.

Ghosn, who was spotted on Friday walking around Shinjuku Gyoen, a downtown Tokyo park, with his wife, is also banned from communicating with other parties involved in the case, including Nissan management.

Nissan Motor Co. has sacked Ghosn as board chairman, but he is still a board member because changes to the board need to be approved by shareholders, who will meet in April.

Should he want to attend a Nissan board meeting, Ghosn needs the court's permission.

No internet, no email and surveillance cameras to monitor his comings and goings. After paying $9 million in bail, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn is out of a Japanese jail cell where he spent 108 days, but he must live under a host of restrictions while he awaits trial, which could be a year away.

No internet, no email and surveillance cameras to monitor his comings and goings. After paying $9 million in bail, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn is out of a Japanese jail cell where he spent 108 days, but he must live under a host of restrictions while he awaits trial, which could be a year away. As part of the bail deal arranged by his new legal team hired last month, Ghosn is banned from accessing the internet and email, and only allowed to use a computer not linked to the web at the office of one of his lawyers. Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese citizenship, was indicted for under-reporting his salary and breach of trust. He must pay for the installation of surveillance cameras in the entrance of his Tokyo residence. Footage will be viewed by members of the defence legal team and records sent to the Tokyo District Court, said Ghosn's renowned defence lawyer Junichiro Hironaka. "The cameras will be placed where they can monitor those coming in and out. It's not for recording Ghosn's daily life," said Hironaka, who is nicknamed "the Razor" for many high-profile cases he's won in a country where the conviction rate is 99.9 per cent. He said he and his colleagues would take turns to monitor. "One person can't manage, so we'll divide it between the offices of the three defence attorneys," he said. Similarly, records of Ghosn's phone calls will be kept by his legal team and submitted to the court, Hironaka said. The phone will keep records even if Ghosn attempts to delete them, he said. It wasn't immediately clear how the internet ban would be enforced, though. If Ghosn violates any of these conditions, the courts could send him back to jail and make him forfeit his $9 million bail, making any attempt to skirt the rules risky. The Tokyo District Court declined to comment on how the conditions would be monitored. TWICE DENIED Ghosn is also prohibited from leaving Japan, which was widely expected, but must remain in Tokyo. He needs the court's permission if he wants to leave his house for more than two nights. Ghosn had been denied bail twice under his previous legal team, which had proposed he wear a GPS ankle monitor, on grounds that he would be a flight risk or that he would destroy evidence. His new lawyers managed to convince the court otherwise, proposing the restrictions to address concerns. But Shin Kukimoto, deputy public prosecutor at the Tokyo prosecutors office, said he thought the bail conditions were not sufficient to prevent tampering with evidence. Despite that concern, experts said such restrictions were unusual and even harsh in Japan, which has faced international criticism for the prolonged detention of suspects, who are often held until a trial starts, with defence lawyers banned from interrogations. "We have never seen conditions like this placed on bail. When I saw them I thought it was harsh," said Shingi Bando an official at the Japan Bail Support Association, which offers support to people who struggle to come up with bail. SURGICAL MASK Ghosn was released on Wednesday from the Tokyo Detention Center, where he had been held since his Nov. 19 arrest. He was whisked past a horde of journalists dressed in what lead defence lawyer Takashi Takano later said was a disguise - a blue cap, glasses, surgical mask and workman's outfit - and was taken away in a mini-van with a ladder on top. "We managed to have Mr. Ghosn’s bail granted, but it comes with many strict requirements," Takano wrote on his blog. He said he the disguise was an attempt to ensure his client could be released without being noticed and taken to a secret location so he could "get back into a normal social life" with his family, who had come to Japan. The ruse partly worked. While live TV coverage captured images of Ghosn emerging from jail surrounded by a group of guards, many journalists who were kept behind a fence outside didn't recognize him. Hironaka said Ghosn agreed to go along with the disguise. "It seemed as if Ghosn knew that being smart and confident in high brand suits is not always the best thing to do," he said. Ghosn, who was spotted on Friday walking around Shinjuku Gyoen, a downtown Tokyo park, with his wife, is also banned from communicating with other parties involved in the case, including Nissan management. Nissan Motor Co. has sacked Ghosn as board chairman, but he is still a board member because changes to the board need to be approved by shareholders, who will meet in April. Should he want to attend a Nissan board meeting, Ghosn needs the court's permission.

Carlos Ghosn, out on bail, will be under strict monitoring

Detained auto <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-resigned-from-renault-on-january-22-192422">tycoon Carlos Ghosn </a>believes his arrest and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wrongly-accused-and-unfairly-detained-ex-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-tells-court-188904">the charges against him</a> are the result of a "plot and treason" at his former employer Nissan, he told the Nikkei newspaper Wednesday.

The Japanese business daily quoted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-the-allegations-and-the-rebuttals-189028">Ghosn</a> as saying he had "no doubt" that the charges against him were motivated by Nissan executives opposed to greater integration of the firm with its French alliance partner Renault.

It was the first press interview <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tokyos-prosecutors-set-to-decide-on-carlos-ghosns-detention-187268">Ghosn has given since his stunning arrest </a>on November 19, conducted in the Tokyo detention centre where he has languished ever since.

A Nissan spokesman hit back immediately, saying that current CEO Hiroto Saikawa has "already categorically refuted the notion of a 'coup d'etat'.

"The sole cause of this chain of events is the misconduct led by Ghosn and (chief of staff Greg) Kelly," the spokesman added.

He said a Nissan probe had uncovered "substantial and convincing evidence of misconduct" and that the firm's focus is "firmly on addressing the weaknesses in governance" that allowed this misconduct to happen.

The 64-year-old Ghosn has been denied bail several times, with the court considering him a flight risk and concerned he could attempt to destroy evidence.

But he again stressed that he "won't flee. I will defend (myself)", according to the Nikkei.

"All the evidence is with Nissan and Nissan forbids all employees to talk to me," he added.

Even his own lawyer has said it is unlikely he will be released before a trial, which could take up to six months to organise given the complexity of the case.

Ghosn faces three separate charges, all of which he denies. He stands accused of under-reporting his income between 2010 and 2015 to the tune of five billion yen ($46 million) and continuing to do so for a further three years.

He also stands accused of a complex scheme to try to pass off personal foreign exchange losses to Nissan and using company funds to reimburse a Saudi contact who stumped up collateral for him.

He said the payment to this businessman, Khaled Juffali, had been signed by "four officers".

'Up and down'

The executive, once feted for his turnaround of the struggling Nissan, has been removed as chairman of the Japanese firm as well as of Mitsubishi Motors. He has also resigned as chairman and chief executive of French company Renault.

He told the Nikkei there was a plan to "integrate" the three companies but insisted it was intended to ensure there would be "autonomy under one holding company."

After Ghosn's arrest, Saikawa referred to the "dark side" of his former mentor's tenure and accused him of having accrued too much power.

But Ghosn rejected the characterisation of his tenure as a "dictatorship."&nbsp;

"People translated strong leadership to a dictator, to distort reality," he told the Nikkei. They did so, he added, for the "purpose of getting rid of me".

Another accusation against him revolves around some $9 million allegedly paid to him from a joint venture based in The Netherlands but Ghosn rejected this, saying the claims of improper payments were "a distortion of reality".

He has also come under fire for luxury houses in Rio de Janeiro and Beirut — which Nissan alleges were paid for improperly via a subsidiary.

He justified these residences on the grounds that he "needed a safe place where (he) can work and receive people in both Brazil and Lebanon."

He stressed that the purchases were approved by the legal department.

Asked about his conditions in the detention centre, Ghosn replied that the situation was "up and down" but said his health was "fine."

Family members have said his detention conditions are overly difficult and even French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised them as "harsh."

The reported comments by Ghosn were the first since a dramatic court appearance earlier this month in which he said he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations".

Detained auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn believes his arrest and the charges against him are the result of a "plot and treason" at his former employer Nissan, he told the Nikkei newspaper Wednesday.

Detained auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn believes his arrest and the charges against him are the result of a "plot and treason" at his former employer Nissan, he told the Nikkei newspaper Wednesday. The Japanese business daily quoted Ghosn as saying he had "no doubt" that the charges against him were motivated by Nissan executives opposed to greater integration of the firm with its French alliance partner Renault. It was the first press interview Ghosn has given since his stunning arrest on November 19, conducted in the Tokyo detention centre where he has languished ever since. A Nissan spokesman hit back immediately, saying that current CEO Hiroto Saikawa has "already categorically refuted the notion of a 'coup d'etat'. "The sole cause of this chain of events is the misconduct led by Ghosn and (chief of staff Greg) Kelly," the spokesman added. He said a Nissan probe had uncovered "substantial and convincing evidence of misconduct" and that the firm's focus is "firmly on addressing the weaknesses in governance" that allowed this misconduct to happen. The 64-year-old Ghosn has been denied bail several times, with the court considering him a flight risk and concerned he could attempt to destroy evidence. But he again stressed that he "won't flee. I will defend (myself)", according to the Nikkei. "All the evidence is with Nissan and Nissan forbids all employees to talk to me," he added. Even his own lawyer has said it is unlikely he will be released before a trial, which could take up to six months to organise given the complexity of the case. Ghosn faces three separate charges, all of which he denies. He stands accused of under-reporting his income between 2010 and 2015 to the tune of five billion yen ($46 million) and continuing to do so for a further three years. He also stands accused of a complex scheme to try to pass off personal foreign exchange losses to Nissan and using company funds to reimburse a Saudi contact who stumped up collateral for him. He said the payment to this businessman, Khaled Juffali, had been signed by "four officers". 'Up and down' The executive, once feted for his turnaround of the struggling Nissan, has been removed as chairman of the Japanese firm as well as of Mitsubishi Motors. He has also resigned as chairman and chief executive of French company Renault. He told the Nikkei there was a plan to "integrate" the three companies but insisted it was intended to ensure there would be "autonomy under one holding company." After Ghosn's arrest, Saikawa referred to the "dark side" of his former mentor's tenure and accused him of having accrued too much power. But Ghosn rejected the characterisation of his tenure as a "dictatorship." "People translated strong leadership to a dictator, to distort reality," he told the Nikkei. They did so, he added, for the "purpose of getting rid of me". Another accusation against him revolves around some $9 million allegedly paid to him from a joint venture based in The Netherlands but Ghosn rejected this, saying the claims of improper payments were "a distortion of reality". He has also come under fire for luxury houses in Rio de Janeiro and Beirut — which Nissan alleges were paid for improperly via a subsidiary. He justified these residences on the grounds that he "needed a safe place where (he) can work and receive people in both Brazil and Lebanon." He stressed that the purchases were approved by the legal department. Asked about his conditions in the detention centre, Ghosn replied that the situation was "up and down" but said his health was "fine." Family members have said his detention conditions are overly difficult and even French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised them as "harsh." The reported comments by Ghosn were the first since a dramatic court appearance earlier this month in which he said he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations".

Ghosn says arrest was result of 'plot and treason': Report

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/ghosn-appeals-against-japan-bail-rejection-190912&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjC2LmHh_7fAhUHQY8KHT8yAZUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_ta3bX0cHFWhyVlY_smMn">Carlos Ghosn</a>, the ousted Nissan boss detained in Tokyo on charges of financial misconduct, on Monday vowed to remain in Japan if granted bail and again proclaimed his innocence.

The Tokyo District Court will later Monday consider the 64-year-old's latest petition for bail but has already rejected previous applications, judging Ghosn a flight risk who might seek to destroy evidence.

"As the court considers my bail application, I want to emphasise that I will reside in Japan and respect any and all bail conditions the Court concludes are warranted," Ghosn said in a statement released by his US-based representatives.

He vowed to attend any subsequent trial "not only because I am legally obligated to do so, but because I am eager to finally have the opportunity to defend myself".

"I am not guilty of the charges against me and I look forward to defending my reputation in the courtroom," concluded the statement.

A spokeswoman for Ghosn, Devon Spurgeon, said his family had already rented an apartment in Tokyo where he promised to reside while awaiting trial.

He has also promised to hand over his passports, refrain from contacting people connected with the case and pay for security guards approved by prosecutors to monitor his movements, according to Spurgeon.

She added that Ghosn has also offered a higher bail fee by stumping up Nissan stock as collateral and promised to wear an electronic tracking bracelet paid for by himself.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-court-denies-the-request-for-carlos-ghosns-release-on-bail-190413&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwivkN-Zh_7fAhXWfisKHaWzAT0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1fKK4zKmip-iUFK4R2emGM">Tokyo court </a>has dismissed all previous attempts by Ghosn to secure his freedom and even his lead lawyer has said he is unlikely to be granted bail until a trial takes place — which could take six months.

However, the case has been full of twists and turns that have kept Japan and the business world gripped since his first stunning arrest as he landed in his private jet at Haneda Airport.

The Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian executive said he has been in his Tokyo detention cell for 64 days "with no release in sight".

Since then, he has only been seen in public once, in a dramatic court appearance where the much thinner executive pleaded his innocence in a packed courtroom.

His wife Carole has appealed to Human Rights Watch, claiming he is being held in "harsh" conditions and subjected to round-the-clock interrogations intended to extract a confession.

'Solid, stable, sustainable governance'&nbsp;

Ghosn's arrest represented a sudden fall from grace for a once-revered tycoon widely credited with turning Nissan around from the verge of bankruptcy.

Nissan immediately ousted him as chairman after the arrest, as did Mitsubishi Motors, the other Japanese firm in the three-way alliance with Renault.

The French firm is expected to meet later this week to discuss removing Ghosn as chairman and CEO. French government officials have already urged the company's board to pick a "new lasting leadership".

Late Sunday, Nissan held an inaugural meeting of a special committee designed to improve governance in the wake of the scandal.

The head of the committee, Seiichiro Nishioka, said the problem was "an excessive concentration of authority in the hands of a single person".

The committee is expected to meet three or four additional times before issuing a final report at the end of March.

The charges against Ghosn are that he under-declared his income in official documents to shareholders over an eight-year period — in an apparent bid to dodge accusations he was overpaid.

In addition, prosecutors have formally charged him with involvement in a complex scheme they say was designed to make Nissan pay for personal investment losses sustained in the financial crisis of 2008.

Ghosn's arrest has thrown into question the future of the auto alliance he forged, which has come under pressure in his absence.

French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire on Sunday denied talk of a potential merger between Renault and Nissan, despite reports in the Japanese media that Paris was pushing for that outcome.

"The subject is not on the table today. What is on the table today is the governance of Renault," he told journalists during a visit to Cairo.

"The most important thing for us is to have solid, stable, sustainable governance for Renault."

 
&nbsp;

Carlos Ghosn, the ousted Nissan boss detained in Tokyo on charges of financial misconduct, on Monday vowed to remain in Japan if granted bail and again proclaimed his innocence.

Carlos Ghosn, the ousted Nissan boss detained in Tokyo on charges of financial misconduct, on Monday vowed to remain in Japan if granted bail and again proclaimed his innocence. The Tokyo District Court will later Monday consider the 64-year-old's latest petition for bail but has already rejected previous applications, judging Ghosn a flight risk who might seek to destroy evidence. "As the court considers my bail application, I want to emphasise that I will reside in Japan and respect any and all bail conditions the Court concludes are warranted," Ghosn said in a statement released by his US-based representatives. He vowed to attend any subsequent trial "not only because I am legally obligated to do so, but because I am eager to finally have the opportunity to defend myself". "I am not guilty of the charges against me and I look forward to defending my reputation in the courtroom," concluded the statement. A spokeswoman for Ghosn, Devon Spurgeon, said his family had already rented an apartment in Tokyo where he promised to reside while awaiting trial. He has also promised to hand over his passports, refrain from contacting people connected with the case and pay for security guards approved by prosecutors to monitor his movements, according to Spurgeon. She added that Ghosn has also offered a higher bail fee by stumping up Nissan stock as collateral and promised to wear an electronic tracking bracelet paid for by himself. The Tokyo court has dismissed all previous attempts by Ghosn to secure his freedom and even his lead lawyer has said he is unlikely to be granted bail until a trial takes place — which could take six months. However, the case has been full of twists and turns that have kept Japan and the business world gripped since his first stunning arrest as he landed in his private jet at Haneda Airport. The Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian executive said he has been in his Tokyo detention cell for 64 days "with no release in sight". Since then, he has only been seen in public once, in a dramatic court appearance where the much thinner executive pleaded his innocence in a packed courtroom. His wife Carole has appealed to Human Rights Watch, claiming he is being held in "harsh" conditions and subjected to round-the-clock interrogations intended to extract a confession. 'Solid, stable, sustainable governance' Ghosn's arrest represented a sudden fall from grace for a once-revered tycoon widely credited with turning Nissan around from the verge of bankruptcy. Nissan immediately ousted him as chairman after the arrest, as did Mitsubishi Motors, the other Japanese firm in the three-way alliance with Renault. The French firm is expected to meet later this week to discuss removing Ghosn as chairman and CEO. French government officials have already urged the company's board to pick a "new lasting leadership". Late Sunday, Nissan held an inaugural meeting of a special committee designed to improve governance in the wake of the scandal. The head of the committee, Seiichiro Nishioka, said the problem was "an excessive concentration of authority in the hands of a single person". The committee is expected to meet three or four additional times before issuing a final report at the end of March. The charges against Ghosn are that he under-declared his income in official documents to shareholders over an eight-year period — in an apparent bid to dodge accusations he was overpaid. In addition, prosecutors have formally charged him with involvement in a complex scheme they say was designed to make Nissan pay for personal investment losses sustained in the financial crisis of 2008. Ghosn's arrest has thrown into question the future of the auto alliance he forged, which has come under pressure in his absence. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire on Sunday denied talk of a potential merger between Renault and Nissan, despite reports in the Japanese media that Paris was pushing for that outcome. "The subject is not on the table today. What is on the table today is the governance of Renault," he told journalists during a visit to Cairo. "The most important thing for us is to have solid, stable, sustainable governance for Renault."

Ghosn vows to stay in Japan if granted bail

&nbsp;Lawyers for former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-rejects-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosns-release-bid-189183">Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn</a> on Thursday appealed against a decision by a Tokyo court to refuse him bail, as he faces charges on three counts of financial misconduct.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wife-says-ex-nissan-boss-ghosn-suffers-harsh-treatment-in-jail-190120">Since his stunning arrest </a>on November 19, the auto tycoon has languished in a Tokyo detention centre facing questioning over allegations he under-reported his salary and tried to shift personal losses onto the company.

On January 11 he was formally charged on two of the counts and his request for bail refused again. Even his own lawyer has admitted he is likely to be kept behind bars until a trial&nbsp; - which could take six months.

The court has previously refused to release the 64-year-old Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian businessman on the grounds that he could present a flight risk and destroy evidence.

The appeal came as the French government called for him to be replaced at the head of Renault, the only one of the three companies he used to head that has retained him.

Japanese firms Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors jettisoned him as boss almost immediately after his arrest, but Renault was more cautious and appointed an interim leader while Ghosn fought the charges.

If the bail appeal is turned down he faces at least a two-month period in pre-trial detention. This can be extended almost automatically by one month at a time.

His wife Carole has appealed to Human Rights Watch over his detention, saying he was being held in "harsh" conditions and subjected to round-the-clock interrogations in an attempt to extract a confession.

Ghosn has been seen only once in public since his detention, in a dramatic court appearance.

He had clearly lost a lot of weight but seemed otherwise in good health. He passionately proclaimed his innocence and his love for Nissan, a company he is widely credited with saving from the brink of bankruptcy.

"I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," Ghosn told a packed courtroom.

Lawyers for former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn on Thursday appealed against a decision by a Tokyo court to refuse him bail, as he faces charges on three counts of financial misconduct.

Lawyers for former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn on Thursday appealed against a decision by a Tokyo court to refuse him bail, as he faces charges on three counts of financial misconduct. Since his stunning arrest on November 19, the auto tycoon has languished in a Tokyo detention centre facing questioning over allegations he under-reported his salary and tried to shift personal losses onto the company. On January 11 he was formally charged on two of the counts and his request for bail refused again. Even his own lawyer has admitted he is likely to be kept behind bars until a trial - which could take six months. The court has previously refused to release the 64-year-old Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian businessman on the grounds that he could present a flight risk and destroy evidence. The appeal came as the French government called for him to be replaced at the head of Renault, the only one of the three companies he used to head that has retained him. Japanese firms Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors jettisoned him as boss almost immediately after his arrest, but Renault was more cautious and appointed an interim leader while Ghosn fought the charges. If the bail appeal is turned down he faces at least a two-month period in pre-trial detention. This can be extended almost automatically by one month at a time. His wife Carole has appealed to Human Rights Watch over his detention, saying he was being held in "harsh" conditions and subjected to round-the-clock interrogations in an attempt to extract a confession. Ghosn has been seen only once in public since his detention, in a dramatic court appearance. He had clearly lost a lot of weight but seemed otherwise in good health. He passionately proclaimed his innocence and his love for Nissan, a company he is widely credited with saving from the brink of bankruptcy. "I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," Ghosn told a packed courtroom.

Ex-Nissan chief Ghosn appeals against bail rejection

Defence lawyers for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wrongly-accused-and-unfairly-detained-ex-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-tells-court-188904">Nissan ex-Chairman Carlos Ghosn</a> said they will seek his release on bail after Tokyo prosecutors indicted him on Friday on two new charges of financial misconduct.

The former executive - once lauded for rescuing a near-bankrupt Nissan - was charged with aggravated breach of trust for temporarily transferring personal investment losses to the automaker in 2008, and for understating his compensation for three years through March 2018, prosecutors said.

The charges were widely expected after Ghosn's arrest for those allegations last month. Under Japanese law, suspects can be held for 23 days before being formally charged.

Prosecutors on Friday also indicted Nissan Motor Co Ltd and former Representative Director Greg Kelly for under-reporting Ghosn's income for those three years. Kelly was arrested in November and released on bail on Christmas Day.

Ghosn, Kelly and Nissan have already been indicted for under-reporting Ghosn's income for the five years through 2015.

"This second indictment for Kelly comes as no surprise as it merely makes what was a five year period for the first into eight years," said Kelly's lawyer Yoichi Kitamura.

Kelly, who was hospitalised for treatment of a neck problem immediately after his release, cannot leave the country without special permission. He has denied the allegations.

Kitamura said he expects Ghosn and Kelly to be tried together on the two charges and that he will work closely with Ghosn's legal team to prepare for the trial.

In a court hearing on Tuesday, Ghosn denied the allegations, calling them "meritless" and "unsubstantiated".

Ghosn in court said he had asked Nissan to temporarily take on his foreign exchange contracts after the 2008-2009 financial crisis prompted his bank to call for more collateral. He said he did this to avoid having to resign and use his retirement allowance for collateral.

Motonari Otsuru, the head of Ghosn's legal team, said on Tuesday that Nissan had agreed to the arrangement on condition that any losses or gains would be Ghosn's. Ghosn said the contracts were transferred back to him and that Nissan did not incur a loss.

Bail

In response to the charges, Nissan said in a statement that it "takes this situation extremely seriously and expresses its deepest regret for any concern caused to its stakeholders."

It said it would "continue its efforts to strengthen its governance and compliance, including making accurate disclosures of corporate information."

As for Ghosn's alleged shifting of investment losses to Nissan, the company said it "does not in any way tolerate such misconduct and calls for strict penalties."

Otsuru said on Friday his team would apply for bail for Ghosn. However, it is uncommon for defendants in Japan who deny their charges to be granted bail ahead of trial.

Otsuru earlier this week said Ghosn would likely be held until the trial, which he said could begin in about six months.

Even if bail were granted, Ghosn would not likely be released until Tuesday given that Monday is public holiday, and all banks will be closed through the long weekend.

The boards of Nissan and its French 43.4 per cent owner, Renault SA, met on Thursday for an update on the Ghosn investigations, with Nissan later saying it remained committed to an alliance which has been strained by the case.

Also on Thursday, Ghosn's wife, Carole, issued a statement on his continued detention, asking Japanese authorities for more information on her husband's health after he ran a fever, saying she was worried about his recovery.

Defence lawyers for Nissan ex-Chairman Carlos Ghosn said they will seek his release on bail after Tokyo prosecutors indicted him on Friday on two new charges of financial misconduct.

Defence lawyers for Nissan ex-Chairman Carlos Ghosn said they will seek his release on bail after Tokyo prosecutors indicted him on Friday on two new charges of financial misconduct. The former executive - once lauded for rescuing a near-bankrupt Nissan - was charged with aggravated breach of trust for temporarily transferring personal investment losses to the automaker in 2008, and for understating his compensation for three years through March 2018, prosecutors said. The charges were widely expected after Ghosn's arrest for those allegations last month. Under Japanese law, suspects can be held for 23 days before being formally charged. Prosecutors on Friday also indicted Nissan Motor Co Ltd and former Representative Director Greg Kelly for under-reporting Ghosn's income for those three years. Kelly was arrested in November and released on bail on Christmas Day. Ghosn, Kelly and Nissan have already been indicted for under-reporting Ghosn's income for the five years through 2015. "This second indictment for Kelly comes as no surprise as it merely makes what was a five year period for the first into eight years," said Kelly's lawyer Yoichi Kitamura. Kelly, who was hospitalised for treatment of a neck problem immediately after his release, cannot leave the country without special permission. He has denied the allegations. Kitamura said he expects Ghosn and Kelly to be tried together on the two charges and that he will work closely with Ghosn's legal team to prepare for the trial. In a court hearing on Tuesday, Ghosn denied the allegations, calling them "meritless" and "unsubstantiated". Ghosn in court said he had asked Nissan to temporarily take on his foreign exchange contracts after the 2008-2009 financial crisis prompted his bank to call for more collateral. He said he did this to avoid having to resign and use his retirement allowance for collateral. Motonari Otsuru, the head of Ghosn's legal team, said on Tuesday that Nissan had agreed to the arrangement on condition that any losses or gains would be Ghosn's. Ghosn said the contracts were transferred back to him and that Nissan did not incur a loss. Bail In response to the charges, Nissan said in a statement that it "takes this situation extremely seriously and expresses its deepest regret for any concern caused to its stakeholders." It said it would "continue its efforts to strengthen its governance and compliance, including making accurate disclosures of corporate information." As for Ghosn's alleged shifting of investment losses to Nissan, the company said it "does not in any way tolerate such misconduct and calls for strict penalties." Otsuru said on Friday his team would apply for bail for Ghosn. However, it is uncommon for defendants in Japan who deny their charges to be granted bail ahead of trial. Otsuru earlier this week said Ghosn would likely be held until the trial, which he said could begin in about six months. Even if bail were granted, Ghosn would not likely be released until Tuesday given that Monday is public holiday, and all banks will be closed through the long weekend. The boards of Nissan and its French 43.4 per cent owner, Renault SA, met on Thursday for an update on the Ghosn investigations, with Nissan later saying it remained committed to an alliance which has been strained by the case. Also on Thursday, Ghosn's wife, Carole, issued a statement on his continued detention, asking Japanese authorities for more information on her husband's health after he ran a fever, saying she was worried about his recovery.

Ghosn lawyers seek bail after ex-Nissan chief indicted on two new charges

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said Tuesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-rearrested-in-japan-over-fresh-allegations-185576">he had been "wrongly accused</a> and unfairly detained" at a high-profile court hearing in Japan, his first appearance since his arrest in November rocked the business world.

In a statement prepared for the hearing and issued by a spokesperson, Ghosn was expected to conclude his remarks by saying: "Your Honour, I am innocent of the accusations made against me."

The 64-year-old auto titan said he had "always acted with integrity" and had "never been accused of any wrongdoing" in his career spanning several decades, during which he is credited with saving the struggling Japanese manufacturer.

"I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," concluded the executive at a hearing at the Tokyo District Court, according to the statement.

Making his first appearance in seven weeks, the once-revered boss appeared handcuffed with a rope around his waist and wearing plastic slippers. He wore a dark suit without a tie. His hair was greying at the roots and he looked thinner than in recent pictures.

In an indication of the interest the case has sparked in Japan, more than 1,000 people waited outside the court from the early hours in the hope of getting one of just 14 tickets for the public gallery.

The purpose of the hearing was for the court to explain the reasons for Ghosn's continued detention on suspicion of financial misconduct.

Presiding Judge Yuichi Tada read out the charges against Ghosn and said he was being detained because he was a flight risk and there was a possibility he would conceal evidence.

It is considered extremely unlikely the hearing would result in a change to Ghosn's detention but the case has repeatedly shown the ability to surprise, from the moment prosecutors stormed the tycoon's private jet at a Tokyo airport on November 19, with the twists and turns gripping Japan and the business world.

Ghosn faces a host of allegations of financial impropriety.

Prosecutors have formally charged him over suspicions he under-declared some five billion yen ($44 million) from his salary in documents to investors over five fiscal years from 2010 -- apparently, to avoid accusations he was paid too much.

Authorities also suspect he continued this scheme over the next three tax years, seeking to defer another four billion yen of his salary until after retirement.

A third, more complex, accusation is that he sought to shift personal foreign exchange losses onto Nissan's books and then paid a business contact from Saudi Arabia some $14.7 million -- supposedly from company funds -- who allegedly stumped up collateral for him.

Ghosn has not been formally charged over the latter two allegations and is preparing to defend himself "vigorously" in court, according to his son Anthony in an interview with French weekly Journal du Dimanche.

"For the first time, he will be able to explain all the charges against him and give his version and I think everyone will be quite surprised to hear his version of the story," the 24-year-old was quoted as saying.

Anthony, who has not spoken to his father, has said Ghosn would be released if he signed a confession.

The high-profile Ghosn case has thrown the spotlight on the Japanese legal system, which has been criticised in some quarters for the practice of extending the custody of suspects without formal charges being pressed.

On December 31, the court again extended his detention until January 11, at which point prosecutors could rearrest him to question him over other allegations or could free him on bail.&nbsp;

- 'Family the priority' -&nbsp; 
Ghosn is a towering figure in the auto industry and is credited with turning around a struggling Nissan -- also giving him a high profile rare for foreign executives in Japan.

He forged an unlikely three-way alliance between Mitsubishi Motors, Renault and Nissan that now outsells any other rival group.

But his arrest has laid bare divisions in the tie-up. Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors promptly removed him as chairman whereas the French firm has kept him on while he fights the allegations.

In an interview with AFP on the eve of the hearing, current Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa insisted: "I don't think it's in danger at all."

However, Flavien Neuvy, auto analyst from Paris-based Cetelem, said it was impossible to predict how the affair would hit the grouping.

"Maybe we have hit the limits of this alliance as it was conceived at the beginning," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ghosn's son Anthony painted a picture of a devoted family man for whom "money is only a way to help those he loves, not an end in itself".

"He takes his role as a father even more seriously than his role as head of a major company. For him, family is always the priority."

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said Tuesday he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained" at a high-profile court hearing in Japan, his first appearance since his arrest in November rocked the business world.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said Tuesday he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained" at a high-profile court hearing in Japan, his first appearance since his arrest in November rocked the business world. In a statement prepared for the hearing and issued by a spokesperson, Ghosn was expected to conclude his remarks by saying: "Your Honour, I am innocent of the accusations made against me." The 64-year-old auto titan said he had "always acted with integrity" and had "never been accused of any wrongdoing" in his career spanning several decades, during which he is credited with saving the struggling Japanese manufacturer. "I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," concluded the executive at a hearing at the Tokyo District Court, according to the statement. Making his first appearance in seven weeks, the once-revered boss appeared handcuffed with a rope around his waist and wearing plastic slippers. He wore a dark suit without a tie. His hair was greying at the roots and he looked thinner than in recent pictures. In an indication of the interest the case has sparked in Japan, more than 1,000 people waited outside the court from the early hours in the hope of getting one of just 14 tickets for the public gallery. The purpose of the hearing was for the court to explain the reasons for Ghosn's continued detention on suspicion of financial misconduct. Presiding Judge Yuichi Tada read out the charges against Ghosn and said he was being detained because he was a flight risk and there was a possibility he would conceal evidence. It is considered extremely unlikely the hearing would result in a change to Ghosn's detention but the case has repeatedly shown the ability to surprise, from the moment prosecutors stormed the tycoon's private jet at a Tokyo airport on November 19, with the twists and turns gripping Japan and the business world. Ghosn faces a host of allegations of financial impropriety. Prosecutors have formally charged him over suspicions he under-declared some five billion yen ($44 million) from his salary in documents to investors over five fiscal years from 2010 -- apparently, to avoid accusations he was paid too much. Authorities also suspect he continued this scheme over the next three tax years, seeking to defer another four billion yen of his salary until after retirement. A third, more complex, accusation is that he sought to shift personal foreign exchange losses onto Nissan's books and then paid a business contact from Saudi Arabia some $14.7 million -- supposedly from company funds -- who allegedly stumped up collateral for him. Ghosn has not been formally charged over the latter two allegations and is preparing to defend himself "vigorously" in court, according to his son Anthony in an interview with French weekly Journal du Dimanche. "For the first time, he will be able to explain all the charges against him and give his version and I think everyone will be quite surprised to hear his version of the story," the 24-year-old was quoted as saying. Anthony, who has not spoken to his father, has said Ghosn would be released if he signed a confession. The high-profile Ghosn case has thrown the spotlight on the Japanese legal system, which has been criticised in some quarters for the practice of extending the custody of suspects without formal charges being pressed. On December 31, the court again extended his detention until January 11, at which point prosecutors could rearrest him to question him over other allegations or could free him on bail. - 'Family the priority' - Ghosn is a towering figure in the auto industry and is credited with turning around a struggling Nissan -- also giving him a high profile rare for foreign executives in Japan. He forged an unlikely three-way alliance between Mitsubishi Motors, Renault and Nissan that now outsells any other rival group. But his arrest has laid bare divisions in the tie-up. Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors promptly removed him as chairman whereas the French firm has kept him on while he fights the allegations. In an interview with AFP on the eve of the hearing, current Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa insisted: "I don't think it's in danger at all." However, Flavien Neuvy, auto analyst from Paris-based Cetelem, said it was impossible to predict how the affair would hit the grouping. "Maybe we have hit the limits of this alliance as it was conceived at the beginning," he told AFP. Meanwhile, Ghosn's son Anthony painted a picture of a devoted family man for whom "money is only a way to help those he loves, not an end in itself". "He takes his role as a father even more seriously than his role as head of a major company. For him, family is always the priority."

Wrongly accused and unfairly detained: Ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn tells court

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